Thousands of workers from Jakarta and its surrounding areas have marched to the presidential palace to ask President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to cancel President Instruction (Inpres) No.9/2013 regarding minimum wages.

The workers grouped under the Confederation of Indonesian Workers Union (KSPI) had earlier departed from their meeting point at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle.

"We demand the President cancel President Instruction No.9/2013 immediately. We need an immediate salary adjustment," rally coordinator Ferry said as quoted by tribunnews.com on Thursday.

He claimed the spirit of the instruction contradicted Law No.13/2013 on the labor force.

Approximately 5,000 officers from the Jakarta Police were deployed to safeguard the rally. Traffic was also diverted to avoid the rally.(dic)